Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1887-12-23
A DANGEROUS SPORT.
Hunting Rattiesnakes on the shores OF
Lake George.

Perhaps in no part of the country can be
found more desirable place for the seeker of
rest and recreation to spend his vacation than
on the shores of Lake George The cieurness
or its waters and wild beauty Of its mountain
surroundings, its fine atmosphere and historic
recollections mako it place of more than
common interest to the tourist. It's faci tiles
for hunting and fishing are unsurpassed
There Is one kind of game that is hunted
with much zeal by lovers of this sport which
is seldom mentioned as an attraction to the
region This is the hunting of rattlesuakcs
on the mountain lodges and rocky hllsdes
every spring, Several of our oldestresidents
make trip each spring, when the weather
becomes warm enough, to the home of the
reptiles, of which there are several well
known dens on the lake. Their mode of cap
turing them is dangerous, to say the least
Taking their guns, they proceed to the place
where the rattlers are won't to assemble
and beat about among the rocks until one is
discovered. Then they shoot him. Often.
times they appear suddenly to tho hunter
Then the sensation is not so pleasant The
snakes are hnpted for the sport, but some old
hunters hnve great faith in their oil, which
they claim is very penetrating and a great
remedy for rheumatism.
The killing off of large numbers in spring
lessons tho number TO wander abroad oil
around tho lake later In the season, to the
annoyance of cottage campers and hotel
keepers. For as soon rs hot weather begius
the snakes leave their dens and roam over
the surrounding country. They are greut
swimmers, and swim across tho lake and
make no choice of "A landing place. Those in.
terested have men engaged the season
through Ill killing rattlers. Each morning
they go out early with a pole and poke into
all places where IA snake might be hidden and
kill all they may find. In some spots IL man
is kept OH the watch at all times for snakes
SO that boaiders at hotels as visitors rarely
if ever, see snake In fact there is not III
attendant at a hotel on the lake who caii be
enticed to own that he ever saw rattlesnake
to say nothing about killing one. In spite OF
all this watching a rattler will manage to get
into house once in Il while, and then there
is music for short time among the ladies'
Old campers on the lake who have visited 1t
for years can seldom be forced to admit that
there are many snakes there, unless they may
be mveigled into telling snake stories then
one gets an idea OF snakes
Two species of rattlesnakes exist there, but
as u rule they will trouble no one if not dis
turbed. No cases of anybody being bitten by
a snake Is recorded unless he was engaged in
hunting them or had invaded their dens. An
old snake hunter several years ago became so
careless thai in trying to capture one he un
dertook to catch the snake by the tail as he
slipped under stone, and was bitten Not
enough whisky could be got into him, ana
he never hunted any more rattlesnakes
Most experienced campers keep supply Of
snake root and whisky on hand in case il
should be needed. Albany Journal